The start of major construction is edging closer for the new M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, with the Australian and NSW governments announcing John Holland / Gamuda Joint Venture and Seymour Whyte Constructions as the successful contractors to carry out the design and build for the southern and northern sections.
John Holland / Gamuda Joint Venture will build the 10km southern section that extends from Black Hill to Tomago, and Seymour Whyte Constructions will build the 5km northern section that bypasses Heatherbrae.
The project is being delivered using two collaborative design and construct contracts to ensure innovation, efficiency and value for money in bringing the extension to life.
The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding the $2.1 billion project on an 80:20 basis. The extension is expected to be open to traffic by mid-2028.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said of the announcement:
"This project will deliver local jobs in construction while ensuring a safer, faster commute for locals. I look forward to seeing major works getting underway and the benefits flowing."
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway added:
"The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel in this region by freeing up 25,000 vehicles away from key congestion areas, saving motorists around nine minutes off their trip."
"This is an exciting time for the Hunter and NSW as this project, together with the Coffs Harbour bypass, will provide the remaining major upgrades to complete a free-flowing route between Sydney and Brisbane with no traffic lights, making getting from A to B easier for motorists."
Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, was quoted as saying that:
"The M1 at Hexam is the last bottle neck on the Pacific Highway between Sydney and Brisbane. This critical work will ensure thousands of vehicles keep moving, not only North/South but also locals travelling back and forth from Maitland and Newcastle."
"I'm glad this project will streamline the flow of traffic for both daily and seasonal motorists."
State Member for the Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, added that it was a, "landmark day for the Hunter, locking in the companies that would build one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the region's history."
"The 15km, four-lane extension from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace is set to boost the Hunter region, no more bumper-to-bumper traffic queues, mums and dads taking the kids on a holiday road trip can do so at ease."
"The NSW Minister for Planning has given the tick of approval for this project, and we expect the Australian Government to provide planning approval early next year."
Visit M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace for more information and to sign up for regular updates on progress of the M1 extension.
